In response to the public outcry following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued an apology on Friday, expressing his reverence for the Maratha warrior, whom he described as more than just a king but a deity he holds in deep respect.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a king for us, he is a deity. I bow my head and apologise to Maharashtra and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for the incident that happened in Malvan. We don't use great men for politics,” Prime Minister Modi stated during the foundation stone ceremony for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan port in Palghar district.
“When I arrived here, I bowed my head at the feet of Shivaji Maharaj and sought forgiveness. Those who regard Shivaji Maharaj as a revered deity are understandably distressed by the statue's fall. I also extend my apology to those who venerate this deity we all cherish. Our culture is unique; for us, nothing surpasses the importance of Aradhya Diwata (adorable deity),” PM Modi continued.
The Prime Minister recalled his visit to Raigad Fort in 2013, following his confirmation as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. “When in 2013 the BJP confirmed me as the prime ministerial candidate, the first thing I did was to go to Raigad Fort and sit in front of the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and pray and start a new journey of national service,” he said.
PM Modi also criticized the Opposition, particularly the Congress, for disrespecting Veer Savarkar and failing to offer an apology. “India's great son Veer Savarkar is abused. They (Opposition) crush the sentiments of patriots. Even after insulting Savarkar, they do not apologise. They go to court, but they do not repent. This is their tradition,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister’s apology follows similar expressions of regret from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who both addressed the anger over the statue’s collapse, which was inaugurated by PM Modi at Rajkot Fort in Malvan in December last year.
Furthermore, PM Modi’s public apology coincides with increasing opposition attacks on the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. The Maha Vikas Aghadi has planned a protest at Hutatma Chowk on Sunday, condemning the statue’s collapse and alleging corruption in the awarding of the project to a Kalyan-based contractor, bypassing established norms to sidestep a more reputable contractor and sculptor.
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